Bursary Stories

Artemis Denton (NHP 2012-14)

"I still remember the excitement in the room when my mum and I found out that NHP were awarding me with a bursary. Whilst now, 7 years later, I am reading English at Bristol University, I still often think about the brilliant two years I had at NHP. It was incredible to learn in an environment where curiosity and a desire to do well, both in and outside of the classroom, were encouraged. The teachers always inspired the students to step outside of their comfort zones and get involved. Not only did I receive a great education at NHP, but I was given the chance to perform at the Bush Theatre, play the saxophone, go paddleboarding (just to name a few of the great things I was able to do). From the age of 5, I have always played football and so was really lucky that NHP supported this, allowing me to play for the boys' team. Over the past few years I have been able to play in the Women's League for Coventry United Reserve Team and hope to re-enter the same league in Bristol once I have recovered from an injury.

The vast number of opportunities that NHP had to offer each of its students made it an exciting school to be at during some of my formative years. Indeed, I feel that I have continued to go through life with many of the values that I learnt at NHP. 

Since leaving, I have always made sure to try new things and not shy away from subjects or hobbies because they are difficult. My time at NHP also taught me to strive for excellence and put 100% into everything I do. This mentality definitely helped me to make the most of my time at Rugby School, where I attended afterwards, and still helps me today at uni. I graduate from Bristol next summer and am currently looking to do a law conversion course in London."

Yared Orme (NHP 2014-16)

"After attending NHP for two years, I went on to join City of London School in Year 9 and I am now at the University of Leicester studying Software Engineering. This is all thanks to the great opportunity I received to join NHP on a bursary place from Year 7 and an education that has changed my life through opening so many doors for me. My time at NHP felt like a massive family that was always there to support me.

Being at NHP was a very enjoyable and fun experience and having the chance to learn there really did open my eyes to a difference in teaching compared to my primary school. I always felt very welcome and everyone was always there to guide you or be your friend. Being on a bursary may seem as being disadvantaged, but the opportunities it gave me were a big advantage as I was able to access the many different resources available at NHP. Being on a bursary gave me the chance to learn more about technology in IT lessons, which led to me becoming very interested in computer science. I proceeded to continue my endeavours in this subject and now I am studying Software Engineering. The gradual exposure to new subjects such as Computer Science and IT from such a young age really carved my future career plans and I am now aiming to get a role in the tech industry once I finish university. It will be tough, but knowing where I have come from, I feel like I can do it.

Anything is possible if someone believes in you and I really felt that at NHP. To all future bursary students, I wish you good luck and have fun, NHP really is a wonderful community to be a part of."

Tayshan Hayden-Smith (NHP 2008-10)

"When I first joined NHP, I didn't know what to expect - and although I grew up in the area, I didn't actually know there was a school tucked away on Lancaster Road! That tucked away school would prove to be a place of amazing memories and beautiful connections that I still hold dear today. The NHP bursary programme launched me into a world of learning and experiences, broadening my perceptions to give me the confidence to approach life beyond NHP with empathy and conviction. 

A very special mention to Jane Cameron, headmistress at the time, often referred to as the fairy godmother due to her nurturing, calm and loving approach - very much reflective of the school ethos today. The support the school offered to my mother, myself and my family during my late mother's illness is something I will never forget and I will always feel proud to be a part of the NHP family.

I attribute a lot of what I've achieved to my mum, but the undeniable influence and support I received by being a beneficiary of the NHP bursary programme enabled, harnessed and gave me the space and tools necessary to grow and flourish."

Tayshan has since gone on to achieve great things and is now somewhat of a celebrity within the local community. He initially pursued a career in football, with dreams to one day play in the Premier League, but it's fair to say that the last 5 years have completely changed the direction of travel in both his personal and professional life. He is now the proud Founder of non-profit Grow2Know CIC, an organisation that came about following the tragic and saddening events of the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017. Today, he uses his non-profit as a vehicle to implement some of the much needed environmental and social change he believed the younger generations deserved in the community whilst creating a legacy honouring the lives lost at Grenfell Tower. Created to empower, inspire, educate and heal by creating more access to nature, December 2022 will mark three years since the birth of Grow2Know and has since evolved to also reclaim psychological and physical space to reconnect people with nature and each other.